In today’s reading, the LORD gives commandments concerning required offerings, and offerings for sins committed in ignorance. This new chapter of Israel in the wilderness is quickly darkened, first by execution of a sabbath-breaker, and then by the much more serious insurrection led by Korah, whom the LORD swiftly judged with his followers, and put down rebellion among the people through a plague and the miracle of Aaron’s rod. He later describes the duties of the Levites, establishes the priests’ portions and the system of tithes, and appoints the sacrifice of a red heifer for purifying.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission